Tube outputs in DACS

Paul has covered the importance of the DAC's output stage before, but what about specifics like tube output stages? And, for that matter, why is the output stage so important in the DAC? Which is best? Have a question for Paul? Go to www.psaudio.com... or visit our website www.psaudio.com

[@jarivihanto5347]

Analog output stage in your Digital Link III, was the reason I bought one for myself. I don't have any op-amps on my sound system, well, there's one in power amps balanced inputs, but i'm running it single ended so that doesn't count :-) My late father was 'in the know' about solid state electronics, and he told me about various speed, gain, etc. issues with op-amps, enough for me to stay away from them. Actually your original product description of DLIII was pretty much exactly what my father had told me about solid state vs. Op-amp circuits behaviour, so that sealed the deal :-) By the way, that DLIII is still going strong and sounding quite wonderful.

[@ixipixiful]

respect Paul for easy explaination of what is it DAC👍🏻🙏🏻

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Agreed. For sake of discussion, another perspective. As with all things audio, everything matters. Yes, the output stage is critical. Discrete solid state or tube can work well. The tube output amp/buffer does not need to be complicated. Two resistors and a 6n2p triode works very well. I would argue that in audio signal path, less is more. The quality of the coupling cap after the tube is also critical. So are the resistors. The I/V stage is also important. The master clock equally critical. And the power supplies are also critical.

[@melbguy1]

Good, informative video Paul!

[@zogzog1063]

Thank you Paul, I really enjoyed that.

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Next question, what is a cheap opamp, how does a good one look like?

[@tomislavgasparic8100]

Didn't Cambridge audio made first transport/dac combo, the CD1 in 1986?

[@matthewfoyle4421]

No its not just noise sir. One does not need to convert (DAC) the information coming off the CD reader as there is no such thing as digital electricity; as electricity can only be analogue . I can and sometimes do amplify the signal straight off the CD reader. A bit bright, but more information is heard, but it lacks musically. The most important thing in a DAC is the clock that runs the DAC and its DC power supply which needs to have very low noise floor. BUT I do love tubes. Live music is quite good too !

[@dimitristryfonos9680]

Well, not every opamp based output stage is cheazy. Like Geshelli labs uses 1 dual channel opa1656 per channel on their j2, which is pretty high end as far as IC opamps go

[@realitykicksin8755]

The function of a DAC is to convert digital information as accurately as possible into an analog signal with little distortion and noise. To add tubes in order to make the analog signal more acceptable to the listener: makes such a device a pre-amplifier with a DAC.

[@ctoforhire]

I will have to concede to you being the foremost expert here, but the way you 'pronounce' SPDIF as "Spa-diff" and not "S.P. Diff" is for me like someone pronouncing the file format extension GIF with a hard G. ;) Other than that minor nitpick, I love your videos and appreciate you answering enthusiasts questions - very informative!!!

[@BubbleFilms]

Also of note that it is odd that pronouncing "GIF" with a soft G (ie: Jif like the peanut butter) has been accepted as correct since it stands for Graphic Interchange Format. Seems illogical since most people do not pronounce the word "graphic" with a soft G. :)

[@ctoforhire]

LOL - now that you responded with that and I have totally over analyzed the pronunciation both ways, I don't even remember my original position / preference!!!

[@MCMTL]

What if PS Audio were to update the Sprout and give it tubes like the Woo WA8 Eclipse? I'll tell you, people would line up and beg you to take their money. I'm due for a career change. Maybe I'll go study design in electronics.

[@jcflorezz]

Paul the intro sound to your videos is cringing!! please go back to the old one, it fits you better

[@zogzog1063]

Arvo Pärt's "Für Anna Maria" would be great.

[@richarddarr800]

Output in tubes..give a more true analog...if you have $6k to play with..a taste of hi end audio..the only beat that is full tubes in every chain of audio..

[@gurratell7326]

I do like a nicely designed sound, but that intro sound is horrrible, please revert back to the old one :) About that jagged edge you talk about, you're wrong, there is NEVER any jagged edges. If there would be we could never get that smooth and perfect sinewave from any signal close to nyquist however much we filter the signal. I'm kinda amazed that a company that works with these things can say something like this :/